To think it's a bit yuck that a cot mattress has been used for lots of other babies?

[Tigerstar123]

Hi all,

We are due to go on holiday abroad with a well know (very good profit making) tour operator with our 5 month old baby.

I was thinking about things I need to take and of course, I need cot sheets! I emailed customer services asking if they could assist with cot dimensions and whether the mattress is changed between stays.

They replied saying they can't assist with the dimensions of the cot and that they don't change the mattresses.

Re not changing the mattress, to me that feels a bit yuck and worries me about the risk of SIDS. I can't help feeling really uncomfortable about this and that anything could have been on the mattress / mattress could be damaged etc. I want to buy and take my own, but they won't help with dimensions!

AIBU to be concerned about the mattress and to also think that the customer service dept really haven't done anything to assist?!

[Summerwood1]

What a strange thing to think. Of course they don't change every time!! Imagine how the world would cope with that amount in refuse sites!

[Mummyme1987]

I would be more worried about a working smoke alarm than a mattress.

[Mummyme1987]

I think the advice given here is very sensible. Enjoy your holiday

[PotteringAlong]

This is one of those things that I never even knew I should worry about.

[VoldysGoneMouldy]

This is for sure the most PFB thing I have ever read.

Think of the practicalities of it OP - even the highest earning companies could not afford to do this.

The idea of 'new baby, new mattress' is the mattress being in safe condition, with no rips, tears or sagging. A holiday company would not supply a mattress in that condition.

[Tigerstar123]

Not sure genuine concerns about SIDS is 'for sure the most pfb thing I have ever read'! But hey ho

[YouAreMyRain]

My understanding of the advice around secondhand cot mattresses and SIDS is that old cot mattresses, which have previously got damp and dried out with usage over time, can harbour fungi spores, the presence of which have been linked to SIDS.

Advice is to buy a new mattress for each of your offspring and not to reuse old cot mattresses.

As I understand it, a well fitted waterproof cover reduces the risk

so wipe clean hospital mattresses are not a risk for the fungi spores.

Ask if the mattresses have waterproof covers or take your own flat waterproof sheet maybe?

[YouAreMyRain]

Voldy it's not about visible damage to mattresses

[maxeffort0satisfaction]

you're being idiotic. that's the truth.

1. get a travel cot
2. what about cum on adult hotel sheets?
3. you could get flat non tuck in (so they are versatile) water proof sheets. Ikea sold some which you can tuck in.
4. you could bring your own bedding. again, flat sheets for a standard cot

but seriously.. you cant have your baby in a bubble ....

must be a first time mum?

[Chinks123]

What does cum on adult hotel sheets have to do with anything

[Tigerstar123]

Ha ha! How have we moved to cum?! I'd like to think I don't need to worry about someone having spunked on the cot mattress, but now I'm not so sure...

[Chinks123]

Oh god don't even go there op no I would like to say you 100% don't need to worry about that

[Tigerstar123]

Ha ha! Defo not going there...!

[winewolfhowls]

My nanna used to say that there is no such thing as a stupid question. I think some posters have forgotten the nervousness of trying to do everything right with a first baby. So yabu op but don't sweat it.

[Tigerstar123]

Thanks wine- much appreciated. I have seen the error of my ways and am going to relax about it.

[Tigerstar123]

Should have maybe put concerns as opposed to errors

[MargaretCavendish]

Just in case it reassures you further, here is the NHS advice:

'If you are borrowing a crib or a cot, or using one that has been used by another of your children, you should ideally buy a new mattress. If you can't do this, use the cot mattress you have, as long as it's firm (not soft), flat, fits the cot with no gaps, is clean, and waterproof.'

From here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/what-you-need-for-baby.aspx

So check the mattress they provide for these qualities and if it meets them relax, if it doesn't complain!

[coconutpie]

YABU in that you expect them to provide a brand new mattress for each guest.

YANBU in that you are worrying about the mattress regarding SIDS. When we go on holiday, I bring our travel cot. I wouldn't be happy with using the one provided by the hotel. Problem sorted.

[GreatFuckability]

as long as a mattress is not damaged there is NO evidence that it has any impact on SIDS if it has been used before. the study that suggested otherwise was throughly debunked years ago.

[Me624]

Some friends of mine refused to use a cot at the DGP's house unless they bought a new mattress for it because it had been slept in on literally a handful of occasions by a similar aged cousin. I thought they were being a little ridiculous. I do not think the OP is being completely unreasonable to consider the mattress but as many other posters have pointed out the answer is clearly to take your own travel cot and it is very clearly ridiculous to expect a travel company or hotel to change the mattress between guests!!

[Maireadplastic]

Tip for helping settle babies in strange places- bring sheets that they have slept on for a few days, the riper the better. Having familiar smells around them helps immensely.

[Oncandystripedlegs]

If it makes you feel better OP , I thought about it too - mainly because you don't know how old a mattress is ..I didn't expect the mattress to be new each time but did check there were no tears/ mould etc and then put on a mattress protector and sheet from home . The baby then refused to sleep anywhere but on me so it was a waste of energy . ( but made me feel better)

[bumsexatthebingo]

I don't think yabu to be wanting to take all the precautions you can to reduce the risk of sids - even on holiday - I was exactly the same.
Can't understand why you are fannying around trying to get and take a mattress with you that you will likely never use again rather than just getting a travel cot though?